Learning
how to take good notes in class is an important part of study preparation. The
information provided and topics covered by your instructors are what you will be studying.
If you dont take good notes in class you wont know what to study once
class is over.

BEFORE the Lecture:

Check
syllabus for topic of lecture and corresponding chapter in text
to be read

Complete all reading assignments - Read
and/or outline the chapter before going to lecture - so you will have a better understanding of the new concepts that will be introduced.

When
arriving at class, choose a seat close to the front

Make sure you have enough notepaper, pen and/or pencils for taking notes.

When
arriving at class (early), choose a seat close to the front - be sure that you can hear the presentation.

Take Effective Notes DURING Class:

Make
sure to stay focused. Paying attention to what your teacher is saying is essential
to taking good notes in class.

You want to include all the important information
in your notes but you dont want to write down every sing word. If you try
to write down everything your teacher says youre sure to miss important
concepts.

Listen for signal statements such as The most important
point , Dont forget that , Remember that ,
or The test will include . When you hear these statements youll
know that to start writing.

Copy what's on the board.

Write down anything that is repeated several times.

Correctly
record dates, names, etc.

Keep
notes readable (Dont crowd, use only one side, leave room
at left for questions, topics, definitions, and additional information)

Organize
notes in an outline form with distinguishing topics as well as labeling
each page with name, date, class, topic

Make sure to write quickly
so that you can cover all the important topics in your notes. You may also consider
abbreviating certain words in order to save time.

If
you get behind or dont understand a concept make a mark (?) on your paper to
remind you to come back and review the subject in more detail but keep taking
notes and keep up with the pace of your teacher.

3
Main methods of Taking Notes

Outline
Method - most common usedConcept MethodCornell Method

AFTER Class: "Rewrite and Review Your Notes"

Rewriting
and Review your notes after each a class as soon as possible is the final step to taking effective notes.

Rewriting
your notes will give you the opportunity review concepts the were difficult to
understand while theyre still fresh in your mind, change abbreviated works
into complete words, and answer questions you had during class.

Use your text book or other resources to fill in the blanks or questions that you had during the class period.

Check
the lecture against the outline of the corresponding text chapter;
if some material wasnt covered, find out why

Check with the instructor or other students to see that you did not miss anything important.

Circle
assignments, references given during the lecture

Writing
effective notes will help you better prepare for tests and learn more in the process.